If you have arthritis in Utah, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid. Eligibility depends on your work history, income, and how your arthritis limits your ability to work. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to keep them.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on low income and limited resources, not work history. Both programs require that your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, which includes medical evidence and how your condition affects daily activities and work ability. Children with arthritis may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA criteria[4].
In Utah, people with arthritis who receive SSI or SSDI automatically qualify for Medicaid under the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program. If you do not receive SSI or SSDI, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can make a disability determination based on medical evidence, without considering your work activity. Utah also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help with long-term care needs related to arthritis. Work incentives and ABLE accounts are available to help you manage income and savings while keeping benefits[3][5].
ABLE accounts let people with arthritis save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Utah, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, and earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26[5].
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is based on the federal poverty level. You must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. For Medicaid, income must be below 100% of the federal poverty level, or below 250% if using the Medicaid Work Incentive. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind[2][4][5].
You must report any changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you earn more than the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits may be suspended. If your income or resources change, your SSI or Medicaid benefits may be adjusted. Always report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties or loss of benefits[2][5].
Contact your local Social Security office or Utah Workforce Services for help with your application. You can also get free legal help from the Disability Law Center, Utah.
Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Utah Medicaid is also available for people with disabilities, including arthritis.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, your SSDI benefits may be suspended.
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Utah’s Medicaid Work Incentive lets you keep Medicaid if you work and have income below 250% of the federal poverty level.
If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify for Utah Medicaid. If not, you can apply through Medicaid.gov or your local Workforce Services office and may need a disability determination from the State Medicaid Medical Review Board.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Utah offers ABLE accounts for people with arthritis who have a qualifying disability that began before age 26.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, children with arthritis may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition meets SSA criteria. Benefits may continue into adulthood if the disability started before age 22.
You need medical records, such as doctor’s notes, imaging reports, and treatment records, that show how arthritis affects your ability to work and perform daily activities.
The process can take several months. It’s important to apply as soon as possible and provide all required medical and financial information.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, you can receive SSDI and SSI at the same time.
